Amman Roman Theater

Roman Theatre is the most impressive monument of old Philadelphia, as Amman was known when it was part of the Roman Decapolis, the cities network on the frontier of the Roman Empire in the southeastern Levant. According to an inscription, it was built during the era of the Antonine emperors, at the end of the 2nd century AD.

Roman Amphitheatre is located in the eastern part of the Jordanian capital, Amman. It is specifically at the foot of Jabal Al-Joufah, on a hill opposite the Amman Citadel. A Greek inscription on one of the pillars indicates that this amphitheater was built in honour of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138–161 CE).

The large and steeply raked structure could seat about 6,000 people: built into the hillside, it was oriented north to keep the sun off the spectators.

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It was divided into three horizontal sections (diazomata). Side entrances (paradoi) existed at ground level, one leading to the orchestra and the other to the stage. Rooms behind these entrances now house the Jordan Museum of Popular Tradition on the one side, and the Jordan Folklore Museum on the other side.

The highest section of seats in a theatre, known in British English as "the gods", even though far from the stage, offer excellent sightlines, while the actors can be clearly heard, owing to the steepness of the cavea.

The theatre is now used as a venue for cultural activities including the Amman International Book Fair, the Amman Marathon prize ceremony, and musical concerts, most notably the Al-Balad Music Festival. In August 2019, the American rapper Russ held a concert at the theatre.

Today, the Roman Theatre is again in use for performances, concerts, and events. In addition, halls on both sides of the stage house two small heritage museums: The Folklore Museum and the Museum of Popular Traditions.

 

Amman Roman Theater visit is included in the following Tours

 

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